Thermal sweating head manikin ALEX

Device description and purpose

The thermal sweating head manikin 'ALEX' is a high-resolution, multi-segmented device designed to operate in a wind tunnel, with adjustable inclination relative to airflow and the ability to simulate solar radiation.

The head manikin can be used to:

  • Determine the thermal and evaporative properties of headwear and protective headgear in accordance with relevant standards;
  • Compare samples with earlier prototypes, competing products on the market, or required performance criteria specified in standards;
  • Simulate customized real-life scenarios to evaluate headwear performance under actual conditions of use.
     

Related Standards
  • ISO 15831:2004 Measurement of thermal insulation by means of a thermal manikin

  • EN 17528:2022 Clothing – Physiological effects – Measurement of water vapour resistance by means of a sweating manikin

Scientific publications

Koelblen B, Psikuta A, Bogdan A, Annaheim S, Rossi R, Comparison of fabric skins for the simulation of sweating on thermal manikins, INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY, 2017, VL 61, IS 9, 1519-1529. DOI

Martínez N, Psikuta A, Corberan JM, Rossi RM, Annaheim S, Multi-sector thermo-physiological head simulator for headgear research, INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY, 2017, VL 61, IS 2, 273-285. DOI

Martínez N, Psikuta A, Rossi RM, Corberán JM, Annaheim S, Global and local heat transfer analysis for bicycle helmets using thermal head manikins, INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL ERGONOMICS, 2016, VL 53, 157-166. DOI

Bogerd CP, Aerts JM, Annaheim S, Bröde, P, de Bruyne G, Flouris AD, Kuklane K, Mayor TS, Rossi RM, A review on ergonomics of headgear: Thermal effects, INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL ERGONOMICS, 2015, VL 45, 1-12. DOI

Further publications

 

Brühwiler PA, Role of the visor in forced convective heat loss with bicycle helmets, INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL ERGONOMICS, 2009, VL 39, IS 1, 255-259. DOI

Brühwiler PA, Heated, perspiring manikin headform for the measurement of headgear ventilation characteristics, MEASUREMENT SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, 2003, VL 14, IS 2, 217-227. DOI

Buyan M,  Brühwiler PA, Azens A, Gustavsson G, Karmhag R, Granqvist CG, Facial warming and tinted helmet visors, INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL ERGONOMICS, 2006, VL 36, IS 1, 11-16. DOI

Brühwiler PA, Ducas C, Huber R, Bishop PA, Bicycle helmet ventilation and comfort angle dependence, EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY, 5th International Manikin and Modelling Meeting, SEP, 2003, Strasbourg, FRANCE, 2004, VL 92, IS 6, 698-701. DOI